More Jerry Yan's photos

After he took a lead role on the popular television drama series Meteor Garden and its sequel, Meteor Garden II in 2001, he shot to fame and became a teen idol across the continent.

"At that time I had a lot of staff taking care of me and I was treated as a spoiled boy. Thus, didn't care about others," he said.

In his new book he wrote: "It was not until I went though difficulties and hit the lowest point in my career that I learned that every one had been kind to me.

"Because they had always been so caring and friendly I took everything for granted. But during the unhappy times, I learned no one should be good to me, no matter who I was and would be. I learned to cherish."

"After many years, I have gradually learned communication is an art," he said.

During his visit to Beijing he appeared on China Entertainment TV's hostess Li Jing(not the author)'s talk show Close to Star by Jing. After the taping, Li said she was amazed at Yan's change.

"The introverted boy has grown up," she said. On the show, Yan praised the beauty of the hostess, likening her to the goddess Venus and addressing her as "Xiao Jing" as a compliment for yer youthful appearance.

Although Yan's attitude is greatly changed, his striking looks are little altered, fans said.

"He is gorgeous and handsome," said a female journalist. "I almost felt dizzy when he answered my questions, staring at me."

But his face is not the only tool he aims to captivate his audience with; his skills as an actor have won accolades.

"In the photo album, I wore no makeup. It is an attempt to distract people's attention from my appearance." He said his target is to be a compelling and serious actor, as opposed to an idol.

"I am a professional actor and willing to try different roles," he said. "If there are any good roles and scripts, I would take them, regardless of the salary."

His next film, he said, will be his first cooperation with a mainland movie director.

"Though my age has got 10 older, I don't think I am a real man yet. I have learned a lot but am still not mature enough in many things," he said.